Ericsson To Expand Network For Vodafone In Fiji

STOCKHOLM -(Dow Jones)- Swedish telecommunications equipment maker Telefon AB L.M Ericsson (ERICY) Tuesday said it has signed a contract with Vodafone Group PLC (VOD) to expand its network in Fiji.

Ericsson said the contract regards its Mobile Softswitch solution and a wide-band code division multiple access upgrade, introducing a third generation network in Fiji.

Under the five-year agreement, Ericsson will also provide managed services.

Vodafone will invest $15 million to modernize its core network and introduce a new 3G-radio network, including mobile softswitch, Ericsson said.

The contract also includes turnkey project management and business consulting. Network management and support services will be provided by Ericsson's operations center in Australia, and include local services capabilities in Fiji to support network operations and effect local knowledge transfer. The business consulting services will be focused on supporting Vodafone's 3G services launch.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires"

Posted to the site on 4th October 2005